Before we begin, I have to give you some background. As I search for new inspiration on the web every day, I come across many bloggers who push the limit and create paper wonders. I love finding craft wizards and artists with magic at their fingertips, and if it’s really good – I make sure to share it with you!

A while ago I came across Katie Shafer’s blog – “Scissors, glue & paper happiness”. It’s a straight-forward blog, showcasing Katie’s wonderful talent with a an x-acto knife and a pair of scissors, transforming simple cardstock into illustrations, perfect miniatures and beautiful cards. Since I first contacted her we’ve been writing each other (and enjoying each other’s blogs), she is really sweet!

I asked her to write a little about herself and her work, and she kindly accepted! Only… that was 6 (!!!) months ago, and I’m only publishing it now… shame on me, seriously.

So, without further ado, here is Katie Shafer, telling us in her own words about her work, her background and where she finds inspiration:

“Most of the time I get my inspiration from others. Their lives. Their memories. Their Stories. It is a rewarding experience to make a card or a piece of artwork for someone and have it relate to them so personally. The best part about starting a blog has been sharing the background to the fun (and sometimes sad) reasons for the art.

I have only taken one art class which happened to be way back in high school. We never worked on any paper related projects (or ever allowed near a set of X-acto knives) but through other mediums I uncovered my confidence as an artist. Throughout my life many of my family members, friends and teachers have received many forms of my paper beginnings and I have to thank them for graciously accepting and complimenting work that was probably less than impressive. I am very picky about my work now, and can if I think an eyeball is not round enough or a whisker is not thin enough, you can be sure that will l cut and slice until I get it just right (a time when the gift patience and focus is greatly appreciated).

My full time job does not include any arts and crafts, so I spend my sparse free time cutting paper and creating designs. I am grateful to have discovered my skill for this artform and use it as both a reliever of stress and (for now) a hobby. My style, ability and techniques have changed over time and I can’t wait to watch my work evolve as I learn new things and find new inspirations! I am currently working on my first wedding save the date, so stay tuned for more paper projects on my blog: katieashafer.wordpress.com.

I’m really excited to tell you that I was lucky enough to be nominated for the Kreative Blogger Award by a most talented and creative paper crafter – Katie Shafer! I have much to tell you about Katie, all on my next post which will be dedicated to her work.

As for this fun blogger award, it is very much like the “Stylish” awards I posted not long ago. It is so great to know that there are people, far away from here, who read my blog and like my work! It makes blogging (and blogging in English – which isn’t my native tongue) really worthwhile!

So, what do I have to do now that I have been nominated? It’s quite simple:

1. A proper mention of the awesome blogger who gave me the award – the lovely Katie Shafer of Scissors, Glue & Paper. Thanks dear Katie!
2. Share 7 interesting facts with my readers.
3. Nominate 7 other bloggers, with their links, and let them know about it!

First, I’d have to dig deep for some facts that I’ve never shared before… Hmmm… Shall we begin?

1) I have a few super-secret ideas for an originally illustrated pop-up book. If ever I do get to work on it, you’ll be the first to know! 😉
2) I LOVE dancing. I can be the first and last person on the floor at my friends’ wedding parties, and would never consider it exercise (yack!).
3) In high school I took theater and literature as my major subjects. I loved preforming on stage and really miss it today.
4) Although I love color and use it every day in my work, I don’t really have a particular favorite one. It usually changes with time, season and mood. The one color I’ve always loved is green. It’s a tricky color to use in interior design or even as a fashion choice (it can look childish, toxic or ill), but when you get the right undertone – it’s just perfect.
5) At any given time I have at least 3 crafty projects that I’ve started but failed to finish.
6) I traveled Asia many years ago, right after I was released from army duty (it’s very common here in Israel, both the whole army thing and the travelling right after…). On this long trip I visited Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Nepal. I’ve been to so many interesting and beautiful places since, yet this trip seems to have left a significant mark on me, and I treasure it to this day.
7) Ari, my beloved husband, is from Uruguay. Therefore, one of my greater goals for this year is to learn a bit of Spanish! 🙂

Now that you know a few more facts about me, it’s time to “pass the torch” and declare my own choices for the Kreative Blogger award! I’ve decided to nominate some blogs I never mentioned here before, because I love the idea of us getting to know new people throughout the web!

* The Red Pepper Quilts blog- an inspiring and informative blog about quilting. I love quilts, mostly the ones with a cool, modern take. Rita, the author of the blog, has great talent both for sewing and for telling all about it.
* The Delighted Momma blog is not really a craft blog – the author Lindsay is an aesthetician and her blog is packed with helpful (and healthy!) beauty DIYs, along with some craft ideas, accessory making tips and some good-for-you recipes.
* The next blog is an Israeli one, which is written in English for all of you to enjoy – Scrappin’ it is updated frequently by Einat, the author, with tons of ideas, tutorials and pictures of her (massive!) collection of projects.
* This blog is so pretty and so mouth-watering… Sugar and Charm is all about entertaining and life style, with some baked goods on top! Eden and her husband Zan make sure every post is well photographed, stylish and fun.
*Le Frufru is an Italian blog oozing with style, where the author Chiara, a wedding planner, offers tips and tricks for amazing DIY celebrations.
* A Typical Type A is a lovely blog that updates me on a daily basis about beautiful design delights. Alicia the author makes sure to expose her readers to promising artists and artworks, mainly inspiring graphic design, typography prints and illustrations.
* Last but not least – another Israeli blog, this time in Hebrew (but in my opinion- totally worth a google-translate!)- It’s Came from love (my own free translation of the Hebrew title). Meital, the author, is a very creative scrappbooker, with a huge collection and excellent tutorials – no need to know Hebrew to enjoy it all!

Wow, that was a long one. Hope you have a wicked week!

ShirA

My Name is ShirA. This is my personal blog, where I share my love for paper craft, hand made creations and all things beautiful.

You can contact me at:
shira.littlegreenbox@gmail.com

PLEASE do not publish photos, tutorials and text from this blog without my permission.